The Unique U.S.-Russian Relationship in Biological Science and Biotechnology (2013)

Bioengagement has had a profound effect in promoting nonproliferation objectives while preserving important segments of the research infrastructure of Russia during times of severe economic difficulties. The Russian government is now terminating its involvement in the (a) Nunn-Lugar program, (b) activities of the International Science and Technology Center, and (c) assistance efforts of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Meanwhile, Russia has initiated new biomedical outreach activities to U.S. organizations through the Skolkovo Foundation, Rusnano, and government-supported venture capital funds. Newly upgraded Russian research universities and new Russian research mega-grants for these and other universities are increasingly involving American life scientists.

Against a background of many positive impacts from past bioengagement investments by the two countries in bioengagement, together with proven capabilities of the two governments to work together in preventing the spread of dual-use capabilities while promoting a culture of responsible science, the committee concluded that the recent decline in resources being devoted to bioengagement in both countries should be promptly reversed. Both governments benefit significantly from a more robust bioengagement program involving governmental and private sector institutions and initiatives, even during the time of budget stringency in the United States and Russia.

During this event, the committee chairs will discuss the report, major recommendations, and areas ripe for future U.S.-Russia bioengagement.